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A house is more than just a place where you rest your head at night; rather, it is your own private get-away from the world. For this reason, it is a good idea to personalize it and make it your own. Through renovations, you can turn your house into the home of your dreams without having to spend a fortune in the process! So, here are a few great reasons why you should consider remodeling your real estate in Anchorage, Alaska:

Personalization
The main reason why you will want to renovate your house is for personalization. The sky is the limit when it comes down to remodeling. You can update your rooms, improve the layout, and even add more space. If you feel like your house is lacking something or if you would like to improve something, renovations can help you do exactly that.

Boosts Property Value
One good reason why you will want to renovate your home is that it can increase the value of the property. Certain renovations such as upgrading the kitchen or updating the bathrooms can do a lot! This is especially useful when you are trying to sell your house as it can make it more appealing for people who are looking for homes for sale in Alaska.

A Chance of Pace
Another reason to consider renovations is to simply change some things up. If you are feeling tired of your house and are looking for something new, it may be more cost-effective to renovate your property rather than to buy something else. This can help change up the house and make it feel new again. Something as simple as changing the color of the house or changing the floors can go a long way in helping you fall in love with your home all over again. Renovations do not have to be expensive or expansive because even the small things can make a huge difference.

Those are just a few of the many things that you will want to keep in mind when it comes down to renovating your home and why it is a good idea to do so. If you would like to find out more about this or if you are interested in finding a reliable realtor in Alaska, please feel free to get in touch with John Collinge RE/MAX Dynamic Properties today.

It is no secret that selling a house can take a while; after all, your home will probably be someone’s largest investment. However, there are some things you can do in order to speed up the process and make your home more appealing to potential buyers. This will help you sell your home faster and at a price you feel comfortable with.

Find a Professional Realtor
It is always a good idea to find a good realtor in Alaska. These professionals not only have connections but they also know the ins and outs of the real estate industry. They can help expand your reach and find potential buyers that would be interested in your home. This is important because, in order to sell your house, people need to know about it. Your realtor can help with this a lot.

Fix It Up
If your home is old, run down, or requires some repairs, it can be hard to justify investing in the property. Some minor tweaks will make it easier to sell. You will want to go through the house, repair the small things, and maybe do some renovations. De-cluttering the property is extremely important. You would be surprised what a coat of paint and some new carpet could accomplish. This will make your home much more appealing and increase its value.

A Blank Slate
When you are trying to sell your house, you will want to remove as much of your furniture as possible. It is important to depersonalize the house. When all of your things are inside, it can make it hard for potential buyers to visualize their own stuff in there. By removing most of your clutter, you will make it easier for people to see how they would decorate the space. This can help them fall in love with your home and seal the deal.

Those are just a few of the many different tips that can help you sell your home faster. If you would like to find out more about this or if you are interested in our homes for sale in Alaska, please feel free to get in touch with John Collinge RE/MAX Dynamic Properties at any time.

There’s a whole host of reasons to renovate. You might be doing so because you want your home to appear more beautiful or become more functional. But whatever the case, it’s important to treat this venture as a business plan that you’re starting from scratch. John Collinge will walk through your house with you and help you formulate a strategy. He works with many different professionals and can be a great resource for you to use to get work done on your property.

Planning for each area of your home.
So, we’ve already established that planning is the key to success. Now it’s time to implement a similar strategy for every area of your home which you plan to renovate. Your remodeling plans should be designed specifically to meet your goals and preferences for a particular room or area.

Setting limits.
Since your goal is to be economical in this venture, you need to set limits for project requirements and expenditures. It’s crucial to underestimate your budget and then do some research on the things that you’ll need.

Research will do wonders for your project.
It will sometimes surprise you how the most high-end looking interior can be achieved at a much lower budget than you expected. When you gather all the necessary information on supplies, requirements, materials, and decorations, you’ll find that there are plenty of stores selling quality items at a much lower price. The online world is filled with stores you can take advantage of for this particular venture of yours.

JOHN COLLINGE RE/MAX Dynamic Properties offers listings for homes for sale in Alaska and encourages you to always aim towards giving a great first impression of your home. This is especially important if the goal of your project is to get a top-dollar sale.

Here are some tricks of the trade to help you get the best value when selling your home. Working with John Collinge at RE/MAX Dynamic Properties in Anchorage helps ensure a more hassle-free experience.

Knowing your home’s value.
Knowing the correct value of your home is very important. An overpriced home will not sell and sits on the market week after week never getting any offers. John will do a market report that will show you recent comparable sold homes in your area and help you determine the correct price to ask for your property.

Clean it up.
Buyers want their new homes to be clean and pristine. THIS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!! Great lighting is also a plus. You want both the inside and outside of your house to look appealing to buyers. You want it to send out positive energy and cheery vibes that draw buyers in and convince them that your house would be a really great place to live in.

Get a good agent.
Experience is very important when choosing a Realtor. You need someone who knows the local market and will be able to write a contract that looks out for your needs as well as getting you the best deal. JOHN COLLINGE RE/MAX Dynamic Properties is a Top Producing Realtor in Anchorage, Alaska. He has years of experience and is up on all of the latest technology. He knows the going prices for properties on the market, and is well aware of the pros and cons of living in your neighborhood.

Putting your home on the market means it’s no longer your “home”.
It’s normal to get attached to a house that you’ve made into your home. However, if you’re in the process of selling it, make sure to remove as many personal items as possible. Political and Religeous items are the most important items to remove. The thing that you always need to remember is to De-Clutter, De- Clutter, De-Clutter!

Quick fixes and repairs.
Going for a complete overhaul when selling your home is ill advised because it’s highly likely you won’t get your money back from such a venture. Quick fixes and repairs, however, are a necessity, and would very much pay off. Something as simple as applying a fresh coat of paint on the walls, replacing door handles, installing new cabinets, fixing leaky faucets, and hanging clean curtains could go a long way to getting you top dollar when selling your home.

Selling your home usually means you’re getting ready to embark on a large journey. If you have questions please call, text, or email JOHN COLLINGE.

Real Estate Is Difficult. John Collinge Can Help!!907-440-2785propertyAk@gmail.comwww.johncollinge.net

Anytime you host a party there’s a great deal of preparation that goes into it. The same applies to an open house. The only difference is that you don’t know these people. Friends will excuse the mess, but potential buyers are looking for a first impression that sticks. They are, after all, looking to buy your home, so it makes sense that they are holding your home to a higher standard. These tips will help get your home open-house ready.

Is an Open House Right for Me?
Perhaps you have a family member or a friend whose home just sold, and maybe they didn’t have an open house. This leaves you wondering whether you need to have one. The truth is, every realtor is different and has their own way of doing things.
Think of an open house as your time to show buyers what your home is made of, but in a more relaxed environment. Plus, your agent will be on hand to answer questions and draw attention to all the wonderful things that set your home apart from the rest.

Work From the Outside In
The importance of curb appeal can’t be stressed enough. It is the first thing buyers see and gets things started on the right foot. Adding curb appeal might sound like an expensive task, but the truth is, small enhancements go a long way. For example, you can draw attention to windows by giving them a good cleaning to enhance the shine, painting shutters, or adding some flower boxes for a pop of color. While your mind might wander to all the cleaning that needs to be done inside the home, don’t forget about cleaning the exterior. Just about every home could do with a good washing from time to time, and now is as good a time as ever. Before you reach for the pressure washer, give the hose a try first. If the dirt and grime has settled in, use a pressure washer, but test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure you aren’t causing any damage.

Clean and De-Clutter
To begin, it should be noted that cleaning to host company and cleaning to host an open house are similar, yet very different. With company, it’s safe to say they won’t be inspecting the grout on your tub or opening up closets to see how much space you have – but buyers will. You need to deep clean your home. It may sound like a large task, but if you break it down by room, it becomes much more manageable. While you can tackle it all in a weekend, time is often a factor, so consider cleaning one or two rooms a day. Focus on areas buyers will really look at such as floors, counters, and storage spaces. Once you’ve cleaned, there is still work left to do. One of the main things homeowners forget to do is put away personal belongings. Clutter can make it hard for potential buyers to picture themselves in your home, and it can give off the impression that there isn’t enough space. While you should put away mail, paperwork, photos, and knickknacks, clutter includes everyday items such as toiletries and appliances. All items on countertops and other surfaces should be cleared and neatly stored away.

Open houses can help you sell your home. Make it work for you by sprucing up the exterior, and deep cleaning and depersonalizing the interior for an open house that is sure to secure a buyer.

Suzie Wilson is an interior designer with more than 20 years experience. What started as a hobby (and often, a favor to friends) turned into a passion for creating soothing spaces in homes of every size and style. While her goal always includes making homes look beautiful, her true focus is on fashioning them into serene, stress-free environments that inspire tranquility in all who enter. The Ultimate Guide to Prepping Your Home for an Open House is filled with tips, tricks and other advice based on Suzie’s years of experience in interior home design that will set you up for success.

I have been a Realtor since 2010. My Social Media has grown with my business. Ideas come my way as time goes by and I try implement any good ideas. My goal is to make your experience on all of my pages informative and not overly complicated.

Let’s face it, even though Fido and Fifi are important members of your family, potential home buyers can be put off by their evidence. Not everyone appreciates the charms associated with your furry friends. Some clever home staging will allow your whole family (including your four-legged loved ones) to remain comfortable and allow shoppers to peruse in peace.

Don’t overlook. Sometimes we stop noticing things that we live with on a daily basis. For instance, doorframes your dog scratched when asking to go out, or odors from the cat’s litter box are items you are used to but could be instant turn-offs to home buyers. One suggestion is to ask someone to tour the home with you, pointing out issues you may be overlooking. Then tidy up eyesores and make minor repairs you tuned out, and clean your home top to bottom. Eliminate pet hair that collected in corners, remove stains, and air out the home. Keep a can of room spray handy for freshening the air, and keep up with vacuuming for spur of the moment showings.

Odors are a serious taboo, so if you come to the conclusion you have a pet odor problem in your home it’s important to deal with it before showings. Angie’s List recommends using simple tricks such as setting out coffee beans to absorb odors. Vinegar is another terrific deodorizer. Setting out bowls of it can clean up the air, and you can even blend it with water and lavender oil to make a carpet and furniture deodorizer. You just mix it up, spray it on and let it settle.

Eliminate evidence. Put anything that screams, “I have a pet!” out of sight for showings. According to some experts, toys should be gathered up and food and bowls stowed out of sight. Puppy pads and litter boxes should be hidden and kept immaculately clean.

Don’t forget to check the yard, too. As Consumer Affairs points out, a yard full of holes and other “landmines” is off-putting. Home buyers may be looking at the yard for children to play in, and chances are your pet’s contributions won’t be appreciated. If you have a digger dog, some professionals suggest filling holes with rocks and brick material, then topping holes with mud. Offer extra toys to keep Fido occupied during playtime to deter him from creating new holes.

Vacate the premises. When it comes time for showing your home, make every attempt to take your pets along. Barking dogs can be upsetting and are distracting at the very least. You also negate any concerns of pets slipping out if they are safely at your side, or even worse, home shoppers being bitten or scratched. Remember, it not only stressful for some home buyers who aren’t pet people to find animals in the house, it’s also stressful for your pet to have strangers intruding.

Along those lines, if you have specific information about your pets you should share it with your real estate agent. There could be times that it’s impossible for your pet to accompany you, and you want your realtor to be aware of how you prefer the situation to be handled. If pets aren’t allowed outside, communicate that information. Also be sure your realtor knows what rooms pets occupy normally so there are no surprises.

Home staging is the key

While you consider your pet part of the family, potential buyers can be put off by pets. Have a friend tip you off to things you might be overlooking, and eliminate evidence of pets before showings. For everyone’s benefit, if at all possible you should take your pet with you during showings, and communicate well with your realtor. With these great tips selling your home will be a piece of cake!

This story isn’t new, but it’s epic. Although its origin and authenticity can’t be verified, its message shouldn’t be ignored. So that you don’t miss it, here are the three main takeaways:

Men: Don’t cheat on your wives.

Women: Don’t get mad; get even.

Everybody: If you’re buying or selling a home, and it mysteriously smells like dead fish, you’ll now know the likely source of the stench.

After 37 years of marriage, Jake dumped his wife Edith for his young secretary.

His new girlfriend demanded they live in Jake and Edith’s multi-million dollar home. Since Jake had better lawyers, he prevailed. He gave Edith, his now ex-wife, just 3 days to move out.

She spent the 1st day packing her belongings into boxes and crates.

On the 2nd day, she had two movers come and collect her things.

On the 3rd day, she sat down for the last time at their beautiful dining room table by candlelight, put on some soft background music, and feasted on a pound of shrimp, a jar of caviar and a bottle of Chardonnay.

When she finished, she went into each and every room and stuffed half-eaten shrimp shells into the hollow of all the curtain rods. She then cleaned up the kitchen and left.

When Jake returned with his new girlfriend, all was bliss for the first few days. Then slowly, the house began to smell.

They tried everything — cleaning, mopping, and airing the place out. Vents were checked for dead rodents and carpets were cleaned. Air fresheners were hung everywhere. Exterminators were brought in to set off gas canisters during which they had to move out for a few days and in the end they even replaced the expensive wool carpeting.

Nothing worked.

People stopped coming over to visit. Repairmen refused to work in the house. The maid quit.

Finally, they could not take the stench any longer and decided to move.

A month later, even though they had cut their price in half, they couldn’t find a buyer for their stinky house. Word got out and eventually even the local Realtors refused to return their calls. Finally they had to borrow a huge sum of money from the bank to purchase a new place.

Edith called Jake and asked how things were going. He told her the saga of the rotting house. She listened politely and said that she missed her old home terribly and would be willing to reduce her divorce settlement in exchange for getting the house back.

Knowing his ex-wife had no idea how bad the smell was, he agreed on a price that was about 1/10th of what the house had been worth, but only if she were the sign the papers that very day. She agreed and within the hour, his lawyers delivered the paperwork.

A week later, Jake and his girlfriend stood smiling as they watched the moving company pack everything to take to their new home… including the curtain rods.

John

Collinge

RE/MAX Dynamic Properties

Realtor®

CMR, REALTOR®

Anchorage, Alaska

907-440-2785

Member of Anchorage Board of Realtors. Member National Association of Realtors Certified Military Relocation Specialist. Certified Corporate Relocation Specialist. Married to my wife Brenda and have 3 Children Alexandria, Jeremy, and John. Real Estate Top Producer 2015, 2016, 2017. Interests include Fishing, Camping, RV`ing, and travelling the world to obscure locations. Main Charitable donations are to mostly Military organizations like Wounded Warriors. I look for different charities every year. Place your text here. Delete this text and heading if you don’t need them. Licenses and Certificates Place your text here. Delete this text and heading if you don’t need them.

Your precious pooch will be moving with you and your family to your new home and you’re more than a tad nervous as to how she could react to the newness of the digs. All dogs require special care and handling, even more so when you’re moving to a smaller space. Because many dog breeds need exercise and room to roam around freely, and are particular about scents, especially home scents, you want your dog to feel as comfortable as possible in the new living quarters, and settle nicely.

To secure a smooth adjustment period for your beloved pet dog, implement the following tips:

Stick to Your Normal Routine

Dogs like a feeding and walking routine they can depend upon. Though you’ll be busy unpacking boxes after the move, stick to your dog day-to-day. Schedule appointments so that your pet knows something is staying normal in the midst of all the chaos. They will adjust so much faster when you play with them, feed them, and walk them at the same times you used to before the move. This will comfort your dog and make her feel more secure in the new space.

Have their Possessions Smell of the Old Home

Set aside a special corner for your dog in the new home on moving day. By placing favorite blankets, toys and bed in the niche, you are signaling to them from the beginning to start getting acquainted with the new place. Have their belongings smell of the old home so that it comforts them amidst all the new and dramatic changes.

Pet Proof the New Home and Yard

Be sure to pet proof your new home and yard. That is, keep chemicals on high shelves, tie your long electrical cords to backboards to keep the dog from tripping, remove breakables, and put up a fence or gate in the yard. Because your dog might start acting strangely if she is in any way nervous, stressed or anxious about the move, pet proofing your home and yard is vital. These safety precautions will keep her out of danger in the event she freaks out or starts behaving uncharacteristically.

Slowly Introduce Her to the New Neighborhood

Explore the new neighborhood slowly when walking your dog in the event she comes across threatening dogs as she walks the sidewalk. These are the kind who might scare and trigger stress in your animal, who is already going through a sensitive time adjusting to your new home. Also, make sure your pet is somewhat well acclimated to the new neighborhood before you decide to let her off the leash at a doggy park. You want to be certain she has a good understanding of where you live in case she runs away.

A Final Thought

No matter what type or breed of dog you have, adjusting to a new space may prove to be problematic for her. Take into account what kind of personality she has – shy, sociable and/or confident – when assessing what to do about making her feel more welcome in your new home. What is certain is that she will always be receptive to additional attention, love and affection. When extra love is forthcoming, this will help ease her into accepting the new home.

The Real Estate industry is constantly changing every day. Interest rates and regulations are always being updated. Mistakes can be made if you are not on top of the current rule book. John Collinge is an experienced and top producing Realtor. He knows what the market is doing at any given time. If you need to sell or purchase a home but have questions, call him. Doing it correctly is absolutely essential and John will make sure your deal is done correctly. He will negotiate the absolute best deal for you.